Devils' Elias fined US$2,500 for hit from behind on Canadiens Blunden

NEW YORK, N.Y. - Forward Patrik Elias of the New Jersey Devils was fined US$2,500 on Friday for hitting Montreal Canadiens forward Mike Blunden from behind in a game.

Elias received a minor penalty for boarding after hitting Blunden at 18:54 of the first period of New Jersey's 5-3 home win Thursday night. Blunden left the game with an undisclosed injury and did not take part in an optional skate Friday morning.

The Canadiens, who play afternoon home games Saturday and Sunday against Washington and Winnipeg, respectively, recalled forward Aaron Palushaj from AHL Hamilton.

The fine was the maximum allowed under the league's collective bargaining agreement.